Air Quality Planning

Preventing, reducing and controlling air pollution requires a continuous, complex planning process that combines technical information and air quality policy. Large data sets defining the level and type of emissions from categories of sources and meteorological data must be analyzed and combined in mathematical models to inform the choice of regulatory options. These data-driven options must be viewed through the filters of law and policy to make decisions about air quality plan development, regulatory development and program implementation. Programs and regulations must be frequently evaluated and updated with respect to changes in environmental conditions, health impact data and federal laws. In carrying out its air quality planning, DEEP takes into account business and other stakeholder concerns.

For the latest news regarding air quality planning's influence on air permitting, please see the Permitting What's New page.

The Connecticut State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality is a collective of historical plans and regulations, which were approved by EPA as meeting certain requirements of the Clean Air Act. EPA has the authority to enforce the Connecticut air quality regulations incorporated into the SIP. EPA’s record of the SIP-incorporated regulations is set out in 40 CFR Part 52 Subpart H.

EPA requires states to submit regional haze SIPs that describe the states’ measures for meeting the national goal of a return to natural visibility conditions at Class I areas (national parks and wilderness areas) by 2064.

Federal regulations are enforceable laws authorized by legislation enacted by Congress. Agencies, such as EPA are empowered to create and enforce regulations. These federal regulations are created according to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

Follow Connecticut’s air related rule making process that calls for a notice of intent to change, adopt, or repeal a regulation. The DEEP while considering rule adoption or amendment, identifies why it is considering such an action, and what authority it has for doing so.

In order to assist states in meeting federal requirements to develop and adopt regulations, the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) will form workgroups and develop model rule concepts for state air directors to consider, making regional consistency more likely. Documents relating to these workgroup activities may be helpful to the reader following the air quality planning process in Connecticut.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Inc. (RGGI, Inc.) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation created to support development and implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a cooperative effort among ten states including Connecticut to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Documents relating to credit auctions held by RGGI, Inc. and other documentation will be helpful to the reader following the air quality planning process in Connecticut.

High electric demand days are tied to poorer air quality as we increase our energy consumption for cooling on the warmest of days. HEDD initiatives are an opportunity to improve Connecticut’s air quality during the ozone season. Documents relating to HEDD issues and opportunities will be helpful to the reader following the air quality planning process in Connecticut.